Viareggio

Viareggio is located in northern Tuscany on the coast of the Ligurian Sea. It is one of Italy’s favorite seaside resorts. With roots tracing back to the 16th century, it began as a medieval fishing village but became known as a seaside resort in the mid-19th century. Students enrolled...

Viareggio is located in northern Tuscany on the coast of the Ligurian Sea. It is one of Italy’s favorite seaside resorts. With roots tracing back to the 16th century, it began as a medieval fishing village but became known as a seaside resort in the mid-19th century. Students enrolled in Italian school in Viareggio will enjoy its famous beaches, shopping and nightlife. One of the most popular places to visit is the Seaside Promenade, also called the Passeggiata. Along this walk visitors will find shopping, restaurants, a cinema and more, all with an excellent view to the beach. Students taking Italian courses in Viareggio should also make time to visit the city center in Cavour Square. The pedestrian streets are lined with shops, boutiques and cafes. In addition, there is an antique market there the 4th Sunday of each month. Viareggio is also known for its Carnival, featuring the most elaborate papier-mache floats. This event has taken place every year since 1873, and truly is worth seeing for those students lucky enough to be in town when it occurs during the weeks preceding Easter. Torre del Lago Puccini is the only hamlet in Viareggio. This is where the composer Puccini built his villa. Students who are in Viareggio for the summer should be sure to visit the open air theater there as well as Puccini’s villa which has been turned into a museum about his life. The climate in Viareggio is humid, which might explain why the beaches are so attractive to visitors.